The Minority in Parliament has called on the Commission of Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to investigate what they describe as secretive and unjust recruitment practices within various security agencies.
This request comes amid reports that 11,000 individuals from a long-standing pool of applicants are being recruited.
The Minority has expressed concerns about the lack of transparency in this recruitment process, labelling it as both secretive and unfair to the general public.
Furthermore, they have accused members of the New Patriotic Party, including parliamentary candidates, of using their influence to place their supporters in these security positions.
In a petition submitted to CHRAJ on July 16, the Minority highlighted their determination to combat what they term “secret, illegal, and unfair recruitment” practices by the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration.
They urged CHRAJ to ensure that all recruitment advertisements for public services are published in national newspapers to promote transparency.
The petition requests that, CHRAJ mandate that the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), Ghana Police Service (GPS), Ghana Prisons Service, and the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) provide detailed accounts of their recruitment processes and procedures.
The Minority also seeks that CHRAJ directs these agencies to publish recruitment advertisements widely, outlining eligibility criteria to ensure equal opportunity for all applicants.
They called for clarity on the recruitment of those already shortlisted or in the process based on a backlog, as reported by “The Chronicle” and various press releases.
Additionally, they request any other actions CHRAJ deems appropriate to guarantee transparency and fairness in the recruitment processes of these security services.
“The Minority in Parliament has petitioned the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to investigate the ongoing secret, unequal and unfair recruitments by the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia NPP government into the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), Ghana Police Service (GPS), Ghana Prisons Service and the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC).”
The Minority is petitioning CHRAJ to direct that advertisements for recruitment into public services be published in national newspapers.
Additionally, the Minority is seeking relief from CHRAJ to order the GIS GNFS, GPS, Prisons and NACOC to provide details of the processes and procedures adopted in the recruitment exercise.
“We pray for the following remedies/reliefs after the Commission’s investigation into this complaint: 1. as means of ensuring equal access to all, the security services and other administrative organs of the state, including the Respondent (GIS, GNFS, GPS, Prisons and NACOC) and indeed, the Customs, Excise and Preventive Services CEPS, CHRAJ should direct that recruitments into these Public Services should be effected through public advertisements in the national newspapers/dailies setting out eligibility criteria for potential applicants/candidates for such recruitments.
“Concerning applicants/candidates already shortlisted or being prepared for recruitments based on a purported backlog as announced per “The Chronicle” publication on the 80 July. 2024 as well as the CPS and Prisons Press Release of 7th July, 2023. CHRAJ should direct the GIS. GNFS, GPS, Prisons and NACOC to provide details of the process and procedures adopted by them in line with the Constitution as well as Section 7(a)(b) of Act 456.
“Any other remedies/reliefs that CHRAJ may deem fair and just to ensure transparency and equal access to security services, particularly the GIS, GNFS, GPS Prisons and NACOC in terms of recruitment.”